Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 31, 2013


Pitt team finds immunity protein that ramps up inflammation, and agents that can block it

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a biological pathway that triggers excessive inflammation in pneumonia and sepsis, leading to improved lung function and survival in animal models. The team developed small molecules to inhibit this protein, offering hope for new treatments for these conditions.

Congestion in the Earth's mantle

In some Earth's mantle regions, the movement of subducted plates stagnates due to slow diffusion and transformation of mineral components. High-pressure experiments revealed that exchange of elements between minerals slows down significantly at depths of 440-650 kilometers, leading to congestion.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 31, 2013